Gilbert Gatali and Gervais

Gilbert Gatali is a central figure in the development of Rwanda’s specialty coffee industry, known for his transition from an international coffee professional to a hands-on producer. Born in Kenya and raised in Toronto, Gatali returned to Rwanda to reconnect with his heritage and contribute to the country's post-genocide economic recovery. His career began in earnest with Sustainable Harvest, where he established their East Africa office, before he went on to co-found and lead RWASHOSCCO, Rwanda’s first producer-owned specialty coffee export company. His leadership roles have spanned the entire value chain, including serving as CEO of KZ Noir and currently as the Executive Director of the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA).

The partnership between Gilbert Gatali and his colleague Gervais centers on the Intango washing station, located on the eastern shores of Lake Kivu in the Karongi region. The station was formerly part of a cooperative that achieved success in the 2014 Rwanda Cup of Excellence but had fallen into disrepair following the cooperative's dissolution. Recognizing the potential of the site and the surrounding smallholder farmers, Gatali acquired and refurbished the facility to restore its capacity for high-quality processing.

In this partnership, the roles are distinct and complementary. Gatali leverages his deep experience in international trade, quality standards, and industry governance to ensure the coffee reaches the right markets and maintains transparency. Gervais serves as the essential operational lead, acting as the 'hands and heart' on the ground at the washing station. Together, they manage the intake of cherries from approximately 500 local smallholder farmers, focusing on rigorous processing protocols to elevate the quality of the final cup.

Intango is recognized for producing high-quality, fully washed Rwandan coffee, a hallmark of the region's specialty output. By taking direct control of the washing station, Gatali and Gervais have created a model that prioritizes direct impact on the farmers they work with. This approach allows them to bypass some of the complexities of larger cooperative structures, ensuring that the farmers receive better support and that the traceability of the coffee is maintained from the tree to the roaster.

For the specialty coffee industry, the work of Gatali and Gervais serves as a case study in the importance of local leadership and vertical integration. Their efforts have been documented by international roasters and importers who value the transparency and quality control inherent in their operation. By bridging the gap between the high-level policy work of organizations like AFCA and the daily realities of coffee processing, they have helped solidify Rwanda’s reputation for producing some of the most distinct and clean coffees in East Africa.

Today, the story of Gilbert Gatali and Gervais stands as a testament to the evolution of the Rwandan coffee sector. From the early days of US AID-funded agronomic improvements to the current era of producer-led specialty exports, their work reflects a broader trend of professionalization and value addition. Their continued commitment to the Intango station and the surrounding community remains a vital link in the specialty coffee supply chain, connecting the unique terroir of Lake Kivu to discerning drinkers worldwide.